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The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has been a persistent thorn in Pakistan's side for nearly a quarter of a century, and this article chronicles their recent activities, setbacks, and resurgences. The narrative begins with a recounting of the BLA's challenges following the assassination of General Abdul Raziq Achakzai in 2018 and the subsequent killing of their commander, Aslam Baloch. These events, coupled with the U.S. designation of the BLA as a terrorist organization, significantly hampered their operations. Despite these blows, the BLA demonstrated resilience by executing daring attacks, most notably the Pearl Continental Hotel assault in Gwadar in May 2019. However, the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021 initially seemed to further constrain the BLA's activities. The quiet, though, would prove to be only temporary. The BLA re-emerged forcefully with the March 11, 2025, attack on the Quetta-Peshawar Jaffar Express, signifying a resurgence after the period of 2018-2021. The article underlines that this latest attack, complex in its execution, occurred after a series of escalating operations throughout Balochistan in 2024, demonstrating the BLA's renewed operational capacity. This incident also serves to highlight the deteriorating relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban, adding another layer of complexity to the regional security landscape.
The BLA's support base is a crucial aspect of understanding its longevity and operational capabilities. Unlike traditional armed nationalist groups with formal structures, the BLA draws its strength from a different segment of Baloch society. The article points to the new generation of young, social media-savvy Baloch university graduates as its primary support base. This modern, educated demographic is crucial in providing the BLA with ideological and logistical support, distancing the group from the traditional dominance of tribal chieftains. The Majeed Brigade, the wing of the BLA responsible for the Jaffar Express attack and many other violent operations, is consistently at the forefront of the insurgency. The Baloch nationalist movement, from which the BLA sprang, originates from disputes over sovereignty when princely states were integrated into Pakistan. These disputes, combined with perceived neglect of the federal spirit in a military-dominated Pakistan, have fuelled the movement for Baloch self-determination. Historically, the Baloch movement was influenced by the Soviet Union and radical Marxist ideology, with many Baloch figures receiving training in Moscow between the 1950s and 1970s. While the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) predates the BLA, the latter has become the dominant force in the armed struggle.
The core grievance of the BLA rebels revolves around the perceived exploitation of Balochistan's rich resources by Pakistan without equitable distribution of benefits to the local population. The BLA claims to be fighting for both freedom from Pakistan and internal reform of Baloch society, challenging the traditional power structures dominated by sardars or tribal chieftains. The internal dynamics within the BLA are also complex. The death of Aslam Baloch led to coordination problems and internal controversies. For instance, the June 29, 2020, attack on the Karachi Stock Exchange exposed divisions within the group, with conflicting claims about who carried out the operation, pointing towards potential Iranian influence and attempts to malign the organization. The Baloch nationalist sentiment extends beyond Pakistan's Balochistan province into Iran's Sistan-Balochistan, highlighting a cross-border dimension to the conflict. While traditional Baloch sardars have remained cautious and distanced themselves from the BLA, figures like the London-based pro-independence leader Hyrbair Marri are seen as overground voices for the group. Marri's statements following the Jaffar Express attack, rejecting Pakistan's flag and demanding a free Balochistan, underscore the BLA's separatist goals. Pakistan has often sought to link the Baloch nationalist movement to India, citing past visits of Baloch leaders to India, including instances of BLA commanders allegedly seeking medical treatment there. However, India has consistently denied any involvement, dismissing Pakistan's allegations as baseless.
The current situation presents Pakistan with a multi-pronged security challenge. The BLA's resurgence in Balochistan, coupled with increased attacks by the Pakistani Taliban in the tribal regions, places immense pressure on Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This occurs at a time when Pakistan's economy is struggling to stabilize amid political tensions between the military-backed government and the jailed former Prime Minister, Imran Khan. The BLA's actions disrupt economic activities, particularly those related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Balochistan. The Pearl Continental Hotel attack in Gwadar was a direct assault on CPEC infrastructure, demonstrating the BLA's ability and willingness to target strategic assets. The group's ability to adapt and evolve, as evidenced by its shift towards younger, more tech-savvy recruits and its complex operational capabilities, makes it a formidable opponent. Addressing the root causes of Baloch grievances, including economic inequality and political marginalization, is crucial in countering the BLA's influence. However, Pakistan's internal political dynamics and its relationship with neighboring countries further complicate the situation. The allegations of Indian involvement, whether true or not, add another layer of complexity to the conflict. Ultimately, the resolution of the Balochistan conflict requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both security concerns and the underlying socio-economic and political issues.
The escalation of BLA activities presents a significant threat to regional stability. The attacks not only cause direct casualties and damage infrastructure but also undermine investor confidence and deter foreign investment, particularly in projects related to CPEC. The corridor is pivotal to Pakistan's economic future, and any sustained disruption could have severe consequences. The BLA's claims of responsibility for attacks targeting Chinese nationals further complicate the situation, potentially straining relations between Pakistan and China. The Pakistani government's response to the BLA's activities has typically involved military operations and security crackdowns, often accompanied by allegations of human rights abuses. These actions, while intended to suppress the insurgency, can inadvertently fuel further resentment and alienation among the Baloch population, creating a cycle of violence. The role of external actors in the Balochistan conflict remains a contentious issue. Pakistan has long accused India of supporting the BLA, while Baloch nationalist leaders have sought international attention and support for their cause. The internal divisions within the BLA, as demonstrated by the controversy surrounding the Karachi Stock Exchange attack, also highlight the complexities of the insurgency. These divisions can be exploited by Pakistani intelligence agencies or external actors seeking to weaken the movement. The long-term solution to the Balochistan conflict lies in addressing the underlying causes of Baloch grievances, promoting inclusive governance, and ensuring that the benefits of economic development are shared equitably among the population.
Source: Baloch Liberation Army | The rebels who shook Pakistan